Introduction

In this experiment, we will study the force generated from a changing magnetic field. We will

determine the induced magnetic force because of the changing magnetic field (Lenz law) by

dropping a magnet on conducting metal tubes.

Aim
To measure the induced magnetic force because of the change in a magnetic field.

Theory
1. Lenz law states that the change in the direction of electric current is such that it always

opposes the direction which has induced it.

2. Change in a magnetic field produces an induced electric current.

3. According to Faraday’s law, changing the magnetic field within a wire produces an electric

current whose magnitude depends upon the changing magnetic field.

When a bar magnet is brought toward a loop of wire, it increases the magnetic field in the

loop
 When a bar magnet is moved away from a loop of wire, it decreases the magnetic field in the

loop

Image Source

Requirements
1. Two Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NIB) magnets of different magnetic strengths.

2. Aluminum and Copper tubes of length 0.91 meters.

3. Ammeter

Procedure
Step 1: Drop two NIB magnets down on aluminum and copper tubes.

Step 2: As each magnet passes through the portion of the metallic tube, it will produce a

changing magnetic field that will exert a magnetic force on the falling magnet to slow it down.

Step 3: Magnetic material will fall much slower than non-magnetic material due to this

repulsion.

Step 4: Measure the magnetic force using Newton’s second law (F = ma) by joining the NIB

magnets with a string connected to the cart that was pulled up on an incline ramp using a pulley

as you drop down the magnet into the aluminum tube.

Observation
1. The measured free-fall time of NIB magnets was 12.6 and 23.2 times greater than the

reference weight of aluminum and copper tubing because of the Lenz law.

2. For copper tubes, the NIB magnet takes the longest time to fall, and it is also a good conductor

as compared to aluminum. So, it will generate a large breaking force.

3. Mass of the cart, the magnetic force, and their velocity were experimentally found to be linear.

4. For a 0.635 cm thick aluminum tube, the measured force of the large NIB magnet was

between 0.5 to 0.84 newtons, and the smaller NIB magnet was between 0.15 and 0.29 meters.

Result
1. The greater NIB magnet and the thicker copper tube produces the larger magnetic force, which

opposes the falling of the magnet and takes the longest time to fall.

2. Changing the tubing from aluminum to copper for a large NIB magnet increases the magnetic

force from 0.94 to 1.8 newton.

3. When we drop the NIB magnet into the conductive metal tube, it establishes a changing

magnetic field that produces the current and creates an induced magnetic field to oppose the

falling of the magnet.

Precaution
1. Use copper and aluminum tubes only.

2. Record your observation carefully.

Conclusion
In this way, we have measured the force generated from a changing magnetic field, and we have
measured the induced magnetic force because of the change in a magnetic field.